Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith said he is not sure why he was not used more this season after performing well in 2011. Smith finished the season with 37 carries for 134 yards and one touchdown as well as 79 receiving yards and one touchdown. "I didn't really see why. There was never an answer given as to why. I think I dealt with it like a professional, and in my mind, I would have been able to deal with it easier if there was something told to me like, 'Hey Kevin, you need to work on this,'" Smith said. Smith said he would still like to re-sign with the team this offseason.

Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell took over the team's workload at running back in the second half of Week 8, overtaking RB Mikel Leshoure (leg). Leshoure had nine carries and three receptions through two quarters, but gave way to Bell in the second half. Leshoure had just one touch the rest of the way, while Bell racked up seven carries and four receptions for 58 total yards. "Leshoure really wasn't an injury situation," head coach Jim Schwartz explained. "Joique was doing some good things for us, and we were rotating our backs through." RB Kevin Smith was also back in the mix at running back. He was used primarily as a blocker on the 12 snaps he played, but also had a seven-yard reception and a one-yard run. Bell said ball security was a focus for him in practice after he fumbled the week prior. "I came out this week in practice with the sole focus of ball security, ball security, ball security," Bell said.

Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell's role has expanded as the season has progressed and he's continued to make plays. Bell has emerged as a receiving threat for the team; he is fourth among all NFL running backs with 178 receiving yards this season. Bell has averaged almost 22 offensive snaps per game over the last four weeks and has carried the ball 19 times and caught 13 passes. His ability to break tackles and get tough yards is one of the things the coaches like about his game. He can get yards on his own. Bell's increased role has coincided with a limited one for RB Kevin Smith, who was inactive in Week 6.